Keith Brookman, who worked full-time for the club for over 21 years, is publishing his new book this week, the third volume in the Bristol Rovers Archive series.
It’s been nine years since Volume Two appeared and this latest volume covers just five years, from the first day of the 2001/02 campaign and the second coming of Gerry Francis as manager, through to the final game of the 2005/06 season and the blossoming of the partnership between Lennie Lawrence and Paul Trollope that was to bring success to the club.
Those five years weren’t a particularly successful period for the club but, as Keith says; ‘often you have to go through bad times to appreciate the good times' and his book does that.
There was quite a high turnover of players during the years covered by the book that some readers may find hard to remember, and there were also a number of managerial changes; all are recalled in this fascinating publication, which will retail at £10.
Speaking about his book, Keith said: "I honestly didn’t think I would be publishing any more books, but Lockdown gave me the opportunity to return to writing and researching the period in question, so much so that I also completed a fourth volume which may, or may not, see the light of day!
"I thought it best to begin this volume where I’d left off with the last one and I thoroughly enjoyed the process of putting the book together, though the layout is a lot different to the first two volumes.
"Whereas when I wrote Volumes One and Two and, indeed, the three promotion books, I had the benefit of some excellent technical backup and the expertise and advice of a number of print professionals, none of which was available to me this time around, so I’ve gone down the self-publishing route.
"Since leaving the club I have served on the committee of the Former Players Association and am now secretary of the Supporters Club.
"Thanks to the backing of the hard-working volunteers of the Supporters Club, both for this book and for the caps initiative, any profits from sales will be donated to them.
"Writing the articles for the book has brought back many memories from a time when working for the club meant so much to me. It was a pleasure to work alongside so many of those mentioned and I’m still in touch with them.
"Thanks to all who purchase a copy of this volume; I hope you enjoy the memories as much as I have."
The subject of a limited print run, it is hoped that the books will be available from the end of this week.
Initially, and in order to maximise profits, the book will only be available to purchase from the Supporters Club Matchday Cabin or directly from Keith. If copies are posted out there will be a charge for postage and packing.